Seymour native Reid Kovener recently was sworn in as the city’s newest firefighter during a Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
He was born in Seymour and grew up in the city until his sophomore year of high school when he moved to Germantown, Wisconsin.
His parents are David and Deanna Kovener, who have been very happy with their son’s new job.
“My parents were extremely honored,” Kovener, 29, said.
“They’re extremely proud of me, and it’s just a lifelong dream come true.”
After graduating from Germantown High School in 2010, he made his way back to Indiana to earn an associate degree in fire science from Vincennes University in 2012.
In high school, Kovener was inspired to become a firefighter when he was looking at jobs where he could help and serve others.
Being able to serve his hometown is a highlight for Kovener.
“It’s a great honor, and I’m very proud,” he said. “I look forward to serving my community.”
Kovener said this wasn’t the first time he applied for the job.
His first application was submitted to the fire department when he turned 21. He said persistence is important to getting the job you want, even if you’re rejected.
“Persistence is key, so don’t shy away after your first try,” he said. “It’s probably not going to happen, so you’ve got to realize that this is your dream and you have to be focused on that and be persistent.”
The process in becoming a firefighter for Seymour involves a physical test, a written test and an interview with the department’s battalion chiefs.
Being able to go through that process multiple times was beneficial for Kovener.
“Every department has these processes, and the more you go through them, the more experience you get,” he said. “The more repetitions you have, the stronger your skills will get.”
Kovener said he focused on jumping rope and running up and down stadium stairs to condition for the physical test. The physical test is “no joke,” he said, and the hardest part of it is a stair climb.
To prepare for his interview, the rookie firefighter read books on interviewing that taught him what to say and how to improve.
The aspects of becoming a Seymour firefighter that Kovener is looking forward to are learning more about the job, being a role model for others and supporting those in need.
In his spare time, Kovener likes to watch Indianapolis Colts games, spend time with his sister and her children in Greenwood and hang out with friends.
Becoming a firefighter has been so far, so good, Kovener said.
“It has been great,” he said. “Everyone has been extremely nice and has helped me learn a lot. If I have any questions, they’ve been extremely helpful. It has just been a great process so far.”